“And I fear that Rono is planning to do the same this year, leading to hundreds of deaths of innocent Kenyans before this election cycle is over,” Okeyo said.
Julian interrupted, “Is that what Tubeec Hirad wants from you?”
“I believe that Rono hired Tubeec Hirad to get the evidence from me. With access to it, he can create a new narrative,” Okeyo said.
Reggie nodded. “One that points the blame away from Rono and onto someone else. Someone they’ve paid to take the fall.”
“That would allow a diabolical criminal to remain in the second-highest post in the Kenyan government. A travesty to the Kenyan people,” Okeyo insisted.
“We’ve already detected plans for more violence at the polls in the upcoming elections, but we hadn’t been able to figure out who is behind it,” Reggie admitted.
“Rono wants to bolster his position and make another run at the presidency. I can’t hand over the one thing that could finally put an end to his tyranny. I never thought my refusal would lead to this,” Okeyo said, breaking down into tears.
One of the IT specialists interrupted. “Chief Kamau, we were unsuccessful in securing the location of the video feed. The encryption and complexity of pathways used made it impossible for us to trace before it was disconnected. I’m sorry.”
“Damn it,” Reggie said, slamming a fist onto the table.
Julian glared at the technician, realizing he should have been working with them to trace the feed. Prior to becoming a SEAL, he’d been a cryptology technician in the Navy and still possessed an advanced set of skills in deciphering encrypted communications and monitoring electronic networks.
Julian turned and headed toward the hallway. Staying at ComCentral was limiting the work he could be doing to find Mena’s location. He had to get the hell out of here and back to TIDES HQ.
Footsteps grew louder behind him. He felt an arm clamp down on his shoulder. Julian turned.
“Where are you going?” Reggie asked, stepping into the hallway with Julian.
“I’m going to debrief Tim Irungu and his family on the latest information,” Julian said, which wasn’t exactly a lie. He was going to need access to all of the Irungu’s technology to track Tubeec Hirad, starting with the disturbing video he’d watched.
Reggie stood in front of him, pushing a hand against his chest.
Julian looked down, knocking his hand away. “You should be glad I’m leaving.”
“Who is Mena Nix to you? Why are you really here?” Reggie asked.
The question was a sucker punch to Julian’s chest, disorienting him for a second.
“What are you talking about?” Julian asked, not sure if he should reveal the truth to Reggie or keep his relationship with Mena a secret.
“I saw the way you looked at Mena Nix when she was on the video. I saw your concern and love for her. You have another reason to care about this case. One that has nothing to do with Wangari Irungu,” Reggie said.
“Mena and I are in a relationship, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to rescue her from Tubeec Hirad.”
“Even if that means impeding my investigation?” Reggie countered. “You need to back off and let us handle this.”
“From what I can tell, your hackers are getting their asses kicked by Tubeec’s encrypted technology. Now, I can stay here and try to find what your team missed, or you can let me go. It’s up to you,” Julian said, glaring at Reggie.
“There’s no way you can find something that my agents can’t,” Reggie insisted.
“Watch me,” Julian said, pushing past the chief special agent.
“If I find out that you’ve compromised our rescue mission in any way, I will have you arrested,” Reggie yelled.
The elevator doors opened, and he stepped inside.
“Do what you have to do,” Julian said as the doors closed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Did you get everything set up?” Julian barked, bursting through the doors of the war room at TIDES HQ.
